Seal materials

Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber

Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) is the “universal” seal material. This copolymer, manufactured from acrylonitrile and butadiene, has good resistance to the following media:

most mineral oils and greases with a mineral oil base

normal fuels, such as petrol, diesel and light heating oils

animal and vegetable oils and fats

hot water

The permissible operating temperature range is –40 to +100 °C (–40 to +210 °F). The seal lip can tolerate dry running within this temperature range for short periods. Temperatures up to 120 °C (250 °F) can be tolerated for brief periods. At higher temperatures, the material hardens.

Fluoro rubber

Fluoro rubbers (FKM) are characterized by their high thermal and chemical resistance. Their resistance to ageing and ozone is very good and their gas permeability is very low. They have exceptionally good wear characteristics even under harsh environmental conditions. The permissible operating temperature range is –30 to +230 °C (–20 to +445 °F). The seal lip can tolerate dry running within this temperature range for short periods.

FKM is resistant to oils and hydraulic fluids, fuels and lubricants, mineral acids and aliphatic as well as aromatic hydrocarbons which would cause seals made of other materials to fail. FKM should not be used in the presence of esters, ethers, ketones, certain amines and hot anhydrous hydrofluorides.

Seals made of FKM exposed to an open flame or temperatures above 300 °C (570 °F) are a health and environmental hazard! They remain dangerous even after they have cooled. Read and follow the safety precautions.

WARNING: HAZARDOUS FUMES

Safety precautions for fluoro rubber

Fluoro rubber (FKM) is very stable and harmless up to normal operating temperatures of 200 °C (390 °F). However, if exposed to temperatures above 300 °C (570 °F), such as fire or the open flame of a cutting torch, FKM seals give off hazardous fumes. These fumes can be harmful if inhaled, as well as if they contact the eyes. In addition, once the seals have been heated to such temperatures, they are dangerous to handle even after they have cooled. Therefore, they should never come in contact with the skin.

If it is necessary to handle bearings with seals that have been subjected to high temperatures, such as when dismounting the bearing, the following safety precautions should be observed:

If there is contact with the seals, wash hands with soap and plenty of water and, if contact has been made with the eyes, flush the eyes with plenty of water and consult a doctor immediately. If the fumes have been inhaled, consult a doctor immediately.

The user is responsible for the correct use of the product during its service life and its proper disposal. SKF takes no responsibility for the improper handling of FKM seals, or for any injury resulting from their use.